Posted on: 6th August
Here are some tips from our friends at Tern Bicycles about how to safely carry passengers on your GSD Gen 1.
Tern Passenger System
The Tern Passenger System is a framework that includes all our passenger-carrying accessories, and always requires four elements in order to safely carry passengers:
- Seating: Purpose-built rear seating, chosen according to the passenger's needs
- Handhold: Something for the passenger to hold on to, other than the bike itself
- Foot support: Fixed platforms or dedicated foot pegs on both sides of the bike
- Foot and leg protection: Something to prevent feet and legs from getting caught in the spinning wheel
The GSD has a max. gross vehicle weight* of 200 kg (440 lb) and can carry up to two kids or one adult passenger.
Passenger Setups
1-2 young kids
Ages 1-6
1 compatible child seat; 2 Thule Yepp Maxi seats*
*Child seats should always include the required elements for safe passenger carrying: seating, safety harness, foot support, foot and leg protection.
1-2 big kids
Ages 5-10
- Seating and handhold: Clubhouse
- Foot support: Sidekick Lower Deck
- Foot and leg protection: Sidekick GSD Wheel Guard OR Cargo Hold Panniers
1 young kid + 1 older kid
Ages 1-6 and 10+
- Seating: Thule Yepp Maxi seat (rear), Sidekick Seat Pad (front)
- Handhold: Sidekick Joyride Bars
- Foot support: Sidekick Lower Deck OR Sidekick Foot Pegs
- Foot and leg protection: Sidekick GSD Wheel Guard OR Cargo Hold Panniers
1 older kid OR 1 adult
Ages 10+
- Seating: Captain's Chair OR Sidekick Seat Pad
- Handhold: Sidekick Joyride Bars (older kid) OR Sidekick Bars (adult)
- Foot support: Sidekick Lower Deck OR Sidekick Foot Pegs
- Foot and leg protection: Sidekick GSD Wheel Guard OR Cargo Hold Panniers
Note: Children can vary widely in maturity and physical development. These age guidelines represent our recommendations and you should adapt them as needed for the safety of your child. As always, please follow local regulations regarding passengers and safety equipment.
What is Max Gross Vehicle Weight?
Max Gross Vehicle Weight (MGVW) is the maximum weight that a bike has been designed to safely carry. This means the weight of the Bicycle* + Accessories + Rider(s)** + Cargo must be less than the MGVW for safe riding.
*Bicycle = weight of the bike plus batteries/**Rider(s) = weight of the cyclist and any passengers
Why does this matter?
It comes down to safety. By adhering to the bike's MGVW guidelines, riders can feel confident that the bike can safely handle the total weight in all riding conditions.
How much passenger weight can I carry on a GSD?
GSD passenger weight = 200 kg - Bicycle* - Accessories - Rider - Cargo
For GSD riders, it's pretty straightforward. The GSD has a MGVW of 200 kg. Simply subtract your weight, the weight of the GSD, any installed accessories, and the weight of all of the things you are carrying. Total passenger weight must be less than the remaining number.
Friendly Reminders
- Most riders can comfortably carry 80% of their weight. Determine if you are comfortable carrying that much weight.
- Check your local regulations to make sure carrying passengers on a bike is legal in your area.
- Helmets are cool! Rider and passenger(s) are advised to wear an approved helmet.
- Do not leave children unattended on the bike, even if it is on the kickstand.
This article refers to GSD Gen 1 E-Bikes. If you would like to carry passengers on the GSD Gen 2, click here.
Article courtesy of Tern Bicycles.